Harley's Not Alone in the Electric Motorcycle Race

Harley-Davidson’s latest model is sure to induce cringes among many die-hard bikers: an electric motorcycle. Project Livewire, now in beta and touring the U.S. to give test rides to Harley fans, boasts zero emissions, far less noise than a standard Harley, and no gearbox. The all-electric motorcycle is missing quite a few of the attributes that make a Harley what it is.

Considering this is a company that famously attempted to trademark the distinctive sound made by a Harley V-twin engine, the electric era won’t come easy. And the electric Harley won’t be the first such motorcycle to reach the market, either.

Other American companies have been producing fully electric motorcycles for a while now. Zero Motorcycles, based in Scotts Valley, Calif., sells an extensive lineup of electric motorcycles, starting at around $13,000. Mission Motors makes the $30,000 Mission R racing bike. The San Francisco company supported the winner of this year’s TT Zero, the electric version of the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race.